Ginger : Natural medicine for everyone

      For many centuries Ginger has been known as having important healing properties and has enjoyed an excellent reputation in ancient Indian, traditional Chinese, and Western medicine.  When the spice came to medieval Europe, it was thought to have come from the Golden of Eden and for a long time only the wealthy could afford to use it.  It is the rhizome of Ginger that provides the healing properties of the plant, which is used most notably to ease nausea but also a circulatory stimulant and as a supreme digestive aid.  Externally it is used as the base muscle strain treatments or to improve mobility.  Ginger, however, has many other uses and well deserves its worldwide reputation – gained over thousands of years – as a powerful aid for healing.

     Ginger has many powerful effects.  Its complex chemistry produces a wide range of beneficial results for anyone who uses it regularly.  Because Ginger stimulates the whole systems, these positive results may include changes in a person’s mood, emotions, and energy level, with a consequence positive effect upon the mind and body.

   Main Effects

     Ginger has a number of beneficial effects.  However, the following properties are of particular use for therapeutic purposes :

• Antispasmodic : It relaxes all types of muscle.
• Aromatic : Ginger’s aroma, flavor, and warmth help to stimulate the digestive system.
• Carminative : The volatile oils in Ginger relax the stomach and stimulate peristalsis (the wavelike motion of food through the gut) thereby supporting digestion and reducing gas.
• Diaphoretic : It induces perspiration and the elimination of toxins through the skin.
• Rubefacient : Applied to the skin, Ginger stimulates and dilates the blood capillaries, increasing circulation.
• Sialagogue  : It promotes the secretion of saliva.

 Stimulant : As a circulatory aid, it supports and speeds up the body’s physiological systems.

Ginger is generally safe, and clinical trials have shown that side-effects are very rare. 

·   Pregnancy : Because of its known effects upon the sex hormones, some people advise that Ginger should be used with caution during pregnancy.  However, there have been no recorded cases of Ginger inducing uterine contractions or miscarriages.  In fact it is a traditional remedy for morning sickness, bringing great relief for many women.  

·   Children : There are few children’s medicines that contain Ginger.  The taste of this spice is pleasant, however, and the herb may be used to stimulate the appetite and ease digestive problems, nausea as well as travel sickness – a common children’s complaint.

·   Elderly People : Ginger has a number of useful applications for elderly people.  For example, it helps to prevent blood clot formation and has important role in the prevention of heart attacks and strokes in people known to be susceptible.  Ginger’s stimulating effect upon the circulatory system is ideal for helping to keep the elderly warm, and its powerful anti-inflammatory action is of great benefit to many people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.  The elderly also often have problems with digestion and here again Ginger will help.  

     Some of ailments that Ginger can treat, but it is not intended to replace other forms of treatment are